The Senate of the University of Maiduguri has approved the establishment of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS) as part of efforts to restructure and expand the institution’s academic offerings beyond the existing Mass Communication programme.
The approval was granted during the 319th Regular Meeting of the Senate held at the Muhammadu Buhari Senate Chamber on Thursday, July 31, 2025. The meeting was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele.
According to the resolution, the new faculty will comprise seven departments: Journalism and Media Studies, Broadcasting, Public Relations, Advertising, Development Communication, Film and Multimedia Studies, and a rebranded Department of Mass Communication.
However, the faculty will commence operations in phases, beginning with three departments—Journalism and Media Studies, Broadcasting, and the rebranded Mass Communication department.
Speaking on the development, the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Abdulmutallib A. Abubakar, who led the efforts toward the faculty’s creation, said the restructuring was necessary to meet growing demands for specialization and professionalism in communication and media practice.
“This marks a significant expansion from the Mass Communication Department, which was established in 1983, to a fully-fledged faculty. It is a response to the dynamic nature of global media, increasing technological advancements, and the need to improve the employability and skill sets of our graduates,” Dr. Abubakar said.
He added that the restructuring aligns with the global and national standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and similar regulatory bodies.
Dr. Abubakar expressed gratitude to the University Senate, the Vice-Chancellor, and senior colleagues for their support in bringing the vision to fruition. He pledged that the new faculty would strive to become a centre of excellence in academic scholarship, media training, and professional development.
The university administration is expected to begin the implementation of the faculty’s second phase in due course, which will include the remaining departments.
